The surname Stlaurint is derived from the Old English personal names Lorens and Laurence, which were derived from the Latin name Laurentius. This name referred to a man from Laurentum, a town in Italy that was probably named for its laurels or bay trees. St. Lawrence, who was born in Huesca in Spain, became a deacon of Rome and was martyred in 258 AD, during the persecution of Valerianus. He gained a large following throughout Europe.

Early Origins of the Stlaurint family

The surname Stlaurint was first found in County Clare (Irish: An Clár) located on the west coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where the family have been seated since the year 1177 having been granted their original lands by Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, for the family's distinguished assistance in the invasion of Ireland in the year 1172.

Stlaurint Spelling Variations

Church officials and medieval scribes spelled names as they sounded; therefore, single person, could have his name spelt many different ways during their lifetime. While investigating the origins of the name Stlaurint, many spelling variations were encountered, including: St. Lawrence, St. Laurent, St. Laurence and many more.

Migration of the Stlaurint family to the New World and Oceana

Ireland went through one of the most devastating periods in its history with the arrival of the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. Many also lost their lives from typhus, fever and dysentery. And poverty was the general rule as tenant farmers were often evicted because they could not pay the high rents. Emigration to North America gave hundreds of families a chance at a life where work, freedom, and land ownership were all possible. For those who made the long journey, it meant hope and survival. The Irish emigration to British North America and the United States opened up the gates of industry, commerce, education and the arts. Early immigration and passenger lists have shown many Irish people bearing the name Stlaurint: Thady St. Laurence who arrived in Canada in 1847; Etiene St Lawrence arrived in New York State in 1775.

The Stlaurint Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.